Lifesaving volunteers from Exmouth were called out to help four people in 24 hours over the weekend.

RNLI crew members located a missing person, helped two people in difficulty in the River Exe and gave casualty care to a woman who had fallen on the beach.

On Friday (April 13) inshore lifeboat George Bearman II launched at around 10.30pm to assist Devon and Cornwall Police and coastguard rescue teams from Exmouth and Beer, to help locate a missing person.

Crew volunteers used thermal-imaging equipment - donated by Exmouth and District Round Table. The missing person was located in an area hidden in view only visible from the water.

An RNLI spokesperson said: “Crew volunteers were able to pinpoint the casualty and direct coastguards to the precise location.”

On Saturday (April 14) the D-class lifeboat was tasked again following a call to the UK Coastguard concerning two men in difficulty in a dinghy in the river Exe near Starcross pier.

The first informant described the men clinging to a mooring, wearing no lifejackets and one had already fallen in the water. Crew volunteers were on scene within 10 minutes and offered the men assistance, which was refused.

Exmouth RNLI community safety officer, Dave Littlefield recommends wearing a lifejacket at all times on the water: “Taking to the water without wearing a lifejacket is not only foolhardy, but can put your life at risk.

“Before using a boat in strong winds and tides, please ensure that you are wearing warm clothing and a suitable lifejacket, ideally one fitted with a crotch strap, hood, whistle and light.

“Take a means of communication: VHF radio on channel 16 or if using a mobile, phone 999 or 112 for the coastguard.”

Just after George Bearman II launched, shore crew volunteers were alerted to a lady who had fallen on the beach in front of the lifeboat station with a suspected broken leg.

Using the basket stretcher, highly trained volunteers recovered the lady to the now empty inshore lifeboat hall where she was assessed, given pain relief and monitored until the ambulance arrived.